January 2017

Development Update:

BTI’s generous friends and supporters helped us to have a very successful fundraising year. We raised $237,728.35, or 97% of the 2017 goal of $246,000 – more than doubling the amount raised during 2016. Responses to the campaign are still coming in, and will count towards the 2017 goal if they were received after December 31.

The employee portion of the Unrestricted Futures campaign raised a whopping $17,900, with a few champions rising to the top. David Stern raised the most money, at $9,000, and Keith Hannon rallied the most donors. His combination of wit and creativity brought more than 20 new donors to the BTI fold. Three internal incentive levels were met, and now three local high school students will receive $1000 scholarships to college this spring.

Looking into the next month, we will forge ahead with plans for unveiling our new planned giving program. A February mailing will invite close friends of the Institute to join the W.B. Thompson Living Legacy Society, which will offer benefits for those who make planned gifts while they are still with us.

On February 6th, a BTI contingent will be visiting the Monell Institute to learn about their very successful corporate membership program, which is headed by board member Nancy Rawson. Itay Gonda will give a presentation to Monell researchers about his work in Jim Giovannoni’s lab working with flavors in melons and tomatoes. Stephanie Meyer, Eric Richards, Josh Clark, and Paul Debbie will learn about the corporate program, Monell’s other advancement work, and tech transfer.

Communications News

Keith Hannon continues to produce exciting content, which is perfect for sharing with your friends, family, and colleagues. Most recently, we’ve unveiled the first installment in a podcast series, BTI’s Science Bomb. This episode, Tech Transfer in basic research, features Paul Debbie discussing his role finding applications for basic research and how we need to work to communicate the importance of discovery science.  https://soundcloud.com/sciencebomb/bti-science-bomb-tech-transfer-in-basic-research

A new Science in Seconds video has also come out in the last few weeks, focusing on BTI/USDA-ARS researcher Michelle Cilia’s work with citrus greening disease. Dr. Cilia was recently recognized by President Obama with the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers for her work. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XpMur1TZZoM

Alumni Relations:

Soon, there will be a call for nominations for the first ever Distinguished BTI Alumni Awards. There will be two awards; one for a late career alumni and one for early career. Additionally, a number of alumni and board members are participating in the new PGS Mentor Program. As of this writing, there are 15 mentees signed up, and 14 mentors. PGS is working to coordinate the program with the assistance of Kelli Monce in Advancement.

Upcoming Events

Boyce Thompson Center opening events, April 27-28

Keep an eye on your inbox for an invitation soon! The Yonkers Boyce Thompson Center renovations are coming to a head, and will be celebrated over the course of two days in April. Simone Development will be hosting a gala reception at 4:30 on April 27, and BTI staff, board, and special guests are also invited for a private breakfast at 9:30 the next morning. We are currently trying to arrange a private tour of Thompon’s mansion, Alder preceding the gala, and a private tour of Untermyer Gardens after the breakfast.

SAB/Board Dinner at the Coopers’ May 9th

NAC member Ron Cooper and his wife Shelley will be generously hosting a dinner at their lovely home for BTI’s SAB, board, key staff, and select donors. More details to come!

Spring Mingle, May 10^th

This year we will be hosting a post board meeting Spring Mingle at BTI, which will feature music, lab tours, heavy appetizers, wine and an opportunity for BTI staff, researchers, board, and supporters to mingle throughout the building.